I remember at the beginning of the year being told by our directors that students liked Convocation abroad better than back in Malibu.  To be honest, I didn’t believe it…until yesterday morning’s Convo.  We were told a special guest was coming to speak to us.  Little did we know how special this guest was.  Benny Prasad holds the record for traveling to every country in the world in the shortest amount of time.  What makes this accomplish more impressive is that Benny traveled to more than 250 nations all while battling Rheumatoid Arthritis, 60% lung damage, & a frequently failing immune system.  However, it not only took a lot of flight time for him to reach this point in his life, but also a lot of perseverance.  As a child growing up in India, trying to keep up with his father’s expectations & suffering from severe Asthma, Benny reached a low point in his life.  It was then that he found his calling & began to travel the world, playing his music on the “Bentar” – a 54 string guitar that he invented himself!  After having completed his record-breaking journey, Benny set out to change other peoples lives.  He is about to break ground on a new cafe in India called “Chai 3:16”.  This is no ordinary cafe though.  With India holding the highest suicide rate in the world, “Chai 3:16” is a safe haven for troubled young people to come, drink tea, & build relationships.  With an inspiring story, beautiful music, & a life-changing mission, Benny Prasad quickly became one of the best Convo speakers I’ve seen.  “Brewed with 3 parts tea and 16 parts heart”, Benny’s story & travels are ones for the record books.

Benny’s passport…

Read more about Benny & his journey on his website: http://bennyprasad.com/